Paul Mescal Says "Everybody" Is Mispronouncing His Name, And The Reason Is Intoxicating

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Paul Mescal is undoubtedly a rising star, but before he becomes a household name — we need to learn how to say his name correctly.

closeup of paul
Karwai Tang / WireImage

In a laid-back interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 27-year-old Irish actor revealed how people have been pronouncing his name wrong his entire career.

paul talking during the interview

Of course, his first name, Paul, isn't the problem. People are flubbing on the last name, "Mescal." And I'll admit, I might have Googled the pronunciation once or twice before talking about his recent Oscar nomination for Aftersun.

movie poster for aftersun

Google was still wrong, by the way.

A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

According to Paul, the mistake occurs because of the popular agave-based alcohol beverage. "People get confused with how to pronounce my name because of the drink Mezcal," he said. "Everybody does it."

paul during the interview

In case you're wondering, the Normal People star's last name is pronounced with a soft "s" and "a."

closeup of paul

When asked if he would start a sneaker line or Mezcal brand, he admitted at some point, he should "look into launching a Mezcal line," he said. "I pronounce it 'Mescal,' and I wonder if I launched a tequila line, I would have to, I would call it 'Mescal's Mezcal.' I'm on the fence."

Karwai Tang / WireImage

And on that note, I sincerely apologize to Paul for butchering his last name.

closeup of paul

Watch the entire conversation here.